Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has created a conducive environment for the germination of tourism activities and investment to blossom and thrive in the state.
The Senior Special Assistant on Tourism Development to Ekiti State Governor, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, made the call while hosting Ayo Olumoko, Vice-President, South West, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), who led the newly-elected members of the Executive Council of FTAN, Ekiti Chapter on a courtesy call in Ado Ekiti.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre, who applauded Otunba Olumoko for his proactive strides and tenacity of purpose since his election as FTAN VP South – West, affirmed that the Ekiti State Government is ready and willing to reinforce, assist, support, cooperate and collaborate with FTAN at making sure that Ekiti State reaps bountifully in and participate judiciously in the global tourism economy.
He pointed out that Governor Fayemi has planted his name in the tourism history of Ekiti State as the most tourism-friendly Governor who, throughout his two-term, placed Ekiti tourism in the front burner of global relevance and reference.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre revealed that “Dr Fayemi has, within the last 12 months, resuscitated the hitherto moribund Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, recreated Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, appointed a new Commissioner, initiating of the legal framework on tourism and also appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Tourism Development. All these are testimonies of his vision at ensuring that tourism economy grows and blossom in Ekiti.”
He pointed out that Governor Fayemi, being a cosmopolitan person, believes that tourism is better driven by the private sector, hence, he is doing everything humanly possible at ensuring a conducive atmosphere for the private sector to reap the goodies of tourism in Ekiti State.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre said that it was because of these and other factors that the state Government heartily welcomes the birth and berth of FTAN in Ekiti State as it will spearhead the growth of a solid tourism economy in the state.
In his response, Otunba Ayo Olumoko commended Governor Fayemi, who he described as a purpose-driven governor with a heart and soul of getting the best for his people.
Otunba Olumoko revealed that “Of all the states in the South West, Ekiti Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has distinguished himself as the tourism-friendly governor who understands the imports and essence of a fully developed tourism economy. Thus, his agrarian commitment to the development of the tourism sector.”
He pointed out that “I am glad also that Ekiti State is having one of the best set of first-grade EXCO, members from the academia, practitioner, security and stakeholders. I am also confident that with these seasoned and experienced men and women in the industry, Ekiti is set to make a statement in the comity of tourism states.”
He presented, Dr Oluwole Ajayi, PhD Tourism Management, Special Adviser, Dr Abioye Adedipe, PhD Tourism and Hospitality, Coordinator FTAN Ekiti Chapter, Mr Jide Fajuyi, Secretary, Mr Deolu Oyebode, Mobilization Communication and Marketing, Kolapo Temitope, Assistant MCM, Busayo Owajoa, State Treasurer, Dr A Tume, Inter-governmental relations to the SSA Tourism development as those who will run the affairs of the association in Ekiti.
Otunba Olumoko canvassed for a symbiotic relationship between FTAN, being the only recognized umbrella platform for all tourism and hospitality associations and operators in Nigeria and the Ekiti State Tourism Development adding that with a synergy of purpose between the two, tourism business in Ekiti will jet up to the sky.
